Google+ is Shutting Down, Here’s What You Need to Do

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If your business has a Google+ account, it’s time to say goodbye to that much unused feature.

On April 2nd, your Google+ account and any Google+ pages you created will be shut down and all content and photos will be deleted. Google is attributing the decision to low engagement and security challenges.

Don’t panic! We’re here to help.

Unless Google+ was your business’ only form of social media, not much is going to change for you. In fact this could help you focus your marketing on stronger and more engaging social networks like Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Below are the steps you should take to prepare for the Google+ shutdown:

  • Make a plan to remove Google+ share / follow buttons from your website, blog and Google+ logos from all of your marketing materials.
  • If you run a Community on Google+, make plans to migrate it to a different platform and notify your member so they can switch over. Facebook and LinkedIn groups are two great choices. You may download and save your data for your Google+ Community here: https://support.google.com/plus/answer/1045788

Check your Google+ sign-in buttons. In some cases, these will be automatically replaced with a regular Google sign-in button.

Step-by-step instructions to download your Google+ data:

  1. Go to Google’s “Download your data” page found here: https://support.google.com/plus/answer/1045788. If you’re signed in and you have a Google+ account, all Google+ options will be preselected.
  2. If you only want to save specific data, you can click “Select None” and choose only the products you’re interested in. You can also toggle products on and off.
  3. Hit “Next”.
  4. Choose your file type and delivery method (email link, Drive, Dropbox, etc.).
  5. Click “Create Archive”.

Note: Exporting your data doesn’t delete your Google+ profile, so if you want to do that before the official shutdown, you can go to the downgrade page and follow the instructions.

If this sounds way over your head, let us know and we’ll take care of your Google+ page and information for you!